Police increase patrols on Ellon bypass

Police are stepping up patrols on Ellon’s bypass amid growing concern over speeding.

There have been repeated calls for the A948 north of the town to have a speed limit lower than 60mph, but the road currently does not meet the criteria for a reduction.

I have tasked officers with conducting increased patrols in the area

Inspector Jamie Harrison
Formartine community policing team

However, community leaders are still voicing fears over fast traffic on the route and police chiefs are now increasing patrols and enforcement in a bid to curb speeding drivers.

The issue was raised at a recent meeting of Ellon Community Council.

Councillors have supported efforts in recent years to have the speed limit lowered.

The bypass contains a number of junctions from housing developments and Balmacassie Business Park.

Inspector Jamie Harrison, of Formartine community policing team, (pictured) who attended the community council meeting, said he was aware of the concern about speeding and the speed limit on the A948.

He explained: “I have worked with the roads department to do everything we can to keep the road safe.

“This has involved reducing the height of the hedge bordering the Golf Road junction and contacting developers to ensure that the visibility splays at the Knockothie junctions are maintained.

“It should be noted that since these actions the only RTC on this stretch of road was in November, 2014, and occurred at the roundabout junction with the A90 and wasn’t related to speed.”

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Inspector Harrison added: “To address continued community concerns I have tasked officers with conducting increased patrols in the area and have sought assistance from roads policing officers to conduct speed enforcement.”

Community council chairman Sandy McDougall said they had been encouraged by Inspector Harrison’s “positive” input.

“The road currently doesn’t meet the required criteria for a speed reduction but that does not mean we have to wait until there is a serious accident.

“We welcome the increased police patrols and enforcement. The road gets used as a race track with the lighter nights and there has been an increase in anti-social driving throughout Ellon at the moment. We are getting more and more complaints.”

Aberdeenshire Council reviews speed limits in line with national guidelines.

A spokeswoman said: “As there are currently no new infrastructure developments around the A948, the speed limit will remain at 60mph.

“The A948 was built to 60mph standards and does not meet the conditions for the introduction of a reduced speed limit.

“Aberdeenshire Council will continue to monitor the road, and enforcement of the existing limit will remain in the hands of Police Scotland.”